Practical Ways to Teach Your Kids About Jesus

This was originally my idea for a post on Monday, but after praying about it, I felt like God was leading my into a different direction(obviously.) But, this has been on my mind SO much lately, and I've been working on compiling a mental list of small ways that I can teach my kids about Jesus. Here it is!

*Every night at bedtime, Charlie and I lay in bed and thank God for the things He's given us. We also pray specifically for those who are sick, or hurting.

*Let them see me reading my Bible, or doing my Bible study

*Read to them from a Children's Bible. We have this one.

*A friend gave me the idea to pray over them as their acting up. For example, if Charlie pushes Maddie, I will hold his hands, and ask God to help him to remember to have kind hands.

*Memorizing verses. Charlie is part of Cubbies, so this is pretty easy for me. We just read through his book each week, and memorize the verse that goes with it.

Charlie at Cubbies

*Make a prayer book. This is an idea that I have yet to work on. It's really pretty simple, I just have to put it together! I just plan to take a small photo album, and put pictures of family and friends in it. The kids will each have their own, and it will be a great reminder that we need to be praying for our family!

*Listen to christian music on the radio. I try to be very careful about what we listen to in the car...we pretty much stay away from most secular music, especially now that Charlie is really listening and repeating everything that we say!

*Reminding him that Jesus wants us to be loving and kind, and that it makes God sad when Charlie sins.

*Answering questions that they have. Talking to them about where Jesus lives, and about heaven. It's fun to imagine what heaven will be like!

I hope this is a helpful list, I know that we have a long way to go, but this is a pretty good start!

Proverbs Bible Study (Week 4)

Here are my notes from this past week! I learned a lot, again! I feel like there are a lot of the same themes popping up throughout all of the chapters so far...one in particular for me was to think before I speak. Any that are coming up over and over again for you?

Proverbs 14 

14:1 I viewed this as building up her family. With words and actions, she can easily build up or tear down her family.

14:6 I need to learn to listen to The Lord more often when I'm needing discernment.

14:7 Keep away from those who lie/tempt you

14:11 Those who believe will live eternally, but those who do not, will be destroyed.

14:12 Do not follow the way of man, but instead, follow the way of God.

14:15 I need to remember to think about what I hear, before taking someone else's word.

14:17 I'm usually very quick-tempered. It's something that I'm always working on and praying about.

14:21 Blessed is he who is kind to the needy!! We need to live and love like Jesus did. We need to love everyone...not just those who we think "deserve" it.

14:26 Those who fear The Lord will have a firm foundation. Their kids will always know that they are safe.

14:28 A large population is a king's glory!! This is NOT how our world currently views high population rates. I thought that this was interesting!

14:29 I'm also constantly praying for patience...

14:30 LOVED this verse. I think it might become my new motto, and I'm going to have to find numerous places in my home to put it. I'm constantly reminding myself that I need to be content with where I am, and with what I have.

Image from pinterest.com

Proverbs 15

15:1 We are currently working on parenting differently,  and using gentle words when disciplining the kids.

15:8 He doesn't want sacrifices from those who are wicked.

15:12 A wicked man wants to do things his own way.

15:15  A cheerful heart has a continual feast! Loved this one too, and I think I'm going to display this one too!

15:28 Think what you say before saying it.

15:30 Humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16

16:1 If you listen, The Lord will give you the correct answer

16:2 It's not necessarily what you do that might be wrong, but the motive behind it.

16:3 Give all of your  plans to God.

16:4 Everything happens for the good of The Lord.

16:9 God's plans are far greater than our own!

16:18 Pride goes before destruction

16:20 Always trust in The Lord. This is definitely easier said than done!

16:24 This will be a new way of life for me. I will try to remember to always use pleasant words.

I hope that you learned something this week! Please share questions/comments in the comment section below!

Proverbs Bible Study (Week 3)

Sorry this is a couple of days late! We were gone all weekend, and I didn't have a chance to get my study done until today! I have SO many underlined parts in my Bible now...things that I want to be able to look back at and to remember. I hope you are learning as much as I am! Here's my notes:

Proverbs 9

9:2 She prepared her meat, mixed her wine and set her table.

She was preparing for her guests, and was taking care of their needs. I think her desire is to provide and care for others, and to lead them to God.

9:7 I have personally noticed this many times while arguing or debating. Many people end up getting very defensive, and name-calling, and hurting others.

9:8-9 If you rebuke, or correct, a man, he will love you. I truly struggle with correction...I usually view it as a failure on my part, instead of help.

9:10 Learn to fear the Lord, study His word, and know Him.

Proverbs 10

10:1 I have seen this, in the relationship with my parents, and myself as I was growing up. Some decisions that I made, caused them pain.

10:2 Righteousness=Jesus. He delivered us from death.

10:4 Instead of being lazy, and putting off undesirable jobs, just do them and get them done with. 

10:5 Be wise, and store up your goods. Keep them until you need them.

10:7 Memories of the righteous will be a blessing. 

10:12 Love covers all wrongs. 

10:14 Wise men store up knowledge. Continue reading the Bible, and studying His word, so that you can store up knowledge.

10:17 Whoever ignores correction leads others astray (Proverbs 6:17!!)

10:19 He who holds his tongue is wise. 

This is actually something that I do often, and have been viewing it as a bad thing!

10:21 The lips of the righteous nourish many

How many of us are trying to nourish our families through the food we eat? We should be more focused on nourishing their souls with the Word of God.

10:24 Things that I dread or fear will overtake me.

10:29 HE WILL SAVE US OR DENY US. Probably THE most important lesson to understand.

Image from bible-quote.deviantart.com

Proverbs 11

11:1 Don't tip the scales to make you look better.

11:2 With humility comes wisdom

11:4 What a HUGE statement. Wealth is fun for now, but it's better to be faithful and to follow God's teachings.

11:5 I thought that the first part of the verse was referring to Jesus' life and death.

11:7-8 The wicked man was rich on this earth, but it truly gave him nothing.

11:10 Our culture loves seeing stories of people who "do good , and prosper", and also stories of those who do bad and are punished.

11:12 Be understanding, instead of judging

11:14 I see this in my own home. It takes a lot of insight and ideas from others, when it comes to raising children.

11:16-17 Be kind.

11:23 There are so many examples of the future of the righteous vs. the future of the wicked

11:24-25 This isn't only talking about money, but life. The more you give, the more blessed you will be.

11:26 Less is more.

11:28 Do not trust in yourself, but in Jesus.

Proverbs 12

12:1 Be open to guidance from others.

12:4 This was SO convicting for me! A lot of days, I need to find a better attitude.

12:9 Be humble.

12:11 Be responsible

12:15 See verse 1

12:18-19 Be careful, and think about what you say to others.

12:22 Always be truthful

12:25 Build others up

Proverbs 13

13:7 Be humble

13:11 If you continue to do things correctly and faithfully, little by little your blessings will grow.

13:1, 13, 14, 18 All of these verses were about seeking instruction. I'm beginning to think that this is very important! :)

**Please add thoughts or questions to the comments! **

Convictions

Do you ever have any of those moments that feel like you have been sucker-punched? That make you think "How could I even THINK that?" I had one the other day.

Since moving, I have felt like my apartment is cluttered. All of our stuff has been piled into places just to get it out of the main areas. Last week, I had finally had enough. I decided that it was time to tackle the mess, and get it in order! I made a list and got to it. The kids were pretty good, but it seemed that they were getting in my way...I couldn't organize one thing without them destroying something else. I was frustrated.

Over the weekend though, it hit me. I was not seeing them as blessings as the Bible says we should. I was viewing them as burdens. My head spun. My heart ached. All I wanted to do was cry, and hug my babies. 

Instead of talking over them, and looking in their direction, I took a step back and watched them. Watched their faces light up as they played together, watched Maddie pull herself up and walk around the couch all by herself. Watched Charlie meticulously build a tower out of his blocks. My heart was bursting, yet filled with regret. I love these kids. They had no idea how I was feeling, but came to me when I asked for a hug. 

This week, I'm focusing on them. Giving them what they need, and the attention and love that they need. I still have things to get done around here, but that comes second!

Love them.

I'm thankful for those moments that make me stand back and see the mistakes that I'm making. I know there will be many more!

Proverbs Bible Study (Week 2)

I have been learning SO much from reading Proverbs these past two weeks. Who knew that wisdom and discernment were so important?! I'm so thankful that God has provided us with His words, and tells us how to live a life that will glorify Him. Here's what I picked up this week:

Proverbs 5

5:1-6 He gives a description of an adultress. She is smooth, good at persuading, and doesn't even realize what she is doing, or that she is sinning.
He also says to keep away from her, or you will regret it later in life.
5:15 Keep to yourself. Do your own work.
You will be blessed.
Always be satisfied with your spouse. Never lust after others.
5:21 God always sees what you are doing. I think that this is a good way to hold yourself accountable.

Proverbs 6
6:1-6 Do not rest until you get out of your sins.
Always acknowledge your sins and ask for forgiveness.
6:6 Hold yourself accountable for your actions.
Be responsible and plan for your future.
6:17-19 A list of things that God hates. The one that sticks out the most to me, is the hands that shed innocent blood. I don't think he necessarily means actual killing, but even picking and choosing who we think is "worthy" to hear about Jesus. The people who haven't heard are the innocent ones, and if we ignore them, we are shedding their innocent blood.
This passage also makes me think that I need to regularly "check" myself. See what is causing me to sin, and to stop immediately, and ask for forgiveness.
6:20-22 I'm noticing that this passage is constantly repeated, which must mean that it's incredible important!
6:27-29 You can't have both. If you choose to commit adultery, you will be punished.
6:33 Once you commit adultery, it will become your identity. You will always be known for it.

Proverbs 7
7:1-5 Another repeat of these words. Memorize them, and live them!
7:7 "The youth who lack judgement", there is no moral code. Without knowledge or discernment, he was easily swayed toward the prostitute, he did not realize that it would cost him his life.
7:27 She leads to death.

Proverbs 8
8:10 "Choose instructions over silver, knowledge over gold." I love this. We are working on becoming minimalists, so that we can truly live this.
8:12 Always have discretion with knowledge, they go hand in hand.
Be humble, hate pride.
8:17 He loves me, because I love Him.

Image from pinterest

8:23 I love this. It speaks of Jesus' great power.
8:30 Be filled with delight always. This is SO difficult for me. I'm one whose attitude is swayed by circumstances.
8:32 Do not ignore His instruction.
8:34 Listen, watch and wait for Him.

I took so much from this week's study. The main point was to love Him, and His instruction more than "things", and to use discretion when in a tough situation.

What did you learn this week?

**Please share in the comments, any questions or insight that you have!**

Proverbs Bible Study (Week 1)

It's the first week! I learned so much over the past few days of studying Proverbs 1-4. Throughout the week, I realized that I truly love reading my Bible. I love the wisdom that pours out of every single word. I believe that it is the Word of God, and that He loves me and wants to give me direction on how to live my life. 

For this study, I'm going to go through my notes, and then leave questions that I have at the end. Please feel free to add your notes and questions as well. Also, please share this with your friends and family, I would love for this Bible study to reach those who need it!

Here's my notes for the week:

Proverbs was written by Solomon, son of King David. 

Proverbs 1:1-8 This passage tells that you should desire to gain wisdom so that you are able to pass it on to others.

Proverbs 1:9 Your father's instruction and your mother's teaching are things that you will always keep with you.

Proverbs 1:19 Be less focused on "things" (things you want to buy, do, see) as it will consume you. Be more focused on the Lord.

Proverbs 1:20 Rejecting His teachings and wisdom is rejecting Him.

Proverbs 2:1-5 If you follow Him, He will provide for you. He also shares the results/consequences of not following Him.

Proverbs 2:6 The Lord gives wisdom, He is knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:7 I loved this verse. He loves us, and will keep and protect us.

Proverbs 2:12 Wisdom will keep our paths straight

Proverbs 2:20-22 I understood this as  a prophesy to when Jesus comes back, 

Proverbs 3:1-2 Not prosperity in a worldly sense, but in love, joy and peace.

Image from crosscards.com

Proverbs 3:6 In ALL your ways acknowledge him, not just some

Proverbs 3:9 I have a really hard time with this. We are to honor the Lord with the FIRST FRUITS of ALL harvests. This doesn't mean to give back when you have enough (money, time), but RIGHT away!

Proverbs 3:13-15 Nothing compares to wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 3:25-26 I'm anxiety prone. I really struggle with understanding that God has gone before me, and will protect me. I can put my confidence in Him.

Proverbs 3:28 I can see myself putting things off, especially in my home. I view it as laziness. 

Proverbs 3:34 Do not mock God. He gives grace, but do not abuse it.

Proverbs 4:4 I need to teach this to my children. I also think that He is saying that you will have a long eternal life, not necessarily a long earthly life.

Proverbs 4:12 He will guide your way.

Proverbs 4:13 To me, instruction=the Bible. 

Proverbs 4:15 Ignore evil. Stay as far away from it as possible.

Proverbs 4:18 This was just a beautiful passage. I had to put it in here...I love picturing it in my mind!

Proverbs 4:20 I noticed that this was repeated over and over - Pay attention and listen closely!

I thought that this section was pretty straight forward....the only part that I struggled with was the verse Proverbs 1:17. If you have any thoughts, please add that or any questions in the comments!

Proverbs Bible Study (Outline)

Want to know something funny? Proverbs was set up perfectly for an 8 week Bible study! I was feeling a little bit nervous, and didn't know how to go about setting up an outline for it, but it came together almost effortlessly! 

I was too excited to wait until tomorrow to start thinking about it...(It also helps that Charlie is at the park with Mike, and Maddie is sleeping!) so I did it right away! The last few weeks there will be a little bit of skipping around-I just wanted to keep themes together.

Here's what the next 8 weeks will look like:

8 Week Online Bible Study

Week 1: Proverbs 1-4 (Wisdom)

Week 2: Proverbs 5-8 (Warnings)

Week 3: Proverbs 9-13 (Wisdom)

Week 4: Proverbs 14-16 (Proverbs of Solomon)

Week 5: Proverbs 17-18 (Proverbs of Solomon)

Week 6: Proverbs 19-22:16 (Proverbs of Solomon)

Week 7: Proverbs 25-29 (Proverbs of Solomon)

Week 8: Proverbs 22:17-25, 30, 31  (Sayings of...)

Hopefully that's not too much reading at one time. I will post my thoughts and questions on Monday morning.

*Please feel free to share with friends and family!*

Bible Study

During the school year this past year, I attended a weekly Bible study. BSF or Bible Study Fellowship was every Wednesday morning. Each week, you would receive a packet of notes and then a lesson to work on throughout the week. I absolutely loved it. I was able to get into a really good routine, and was studying my Bible every week. Not just reading through it like I had been doing, but actually studying it, and learning SO much about Jesus. 

Wouldn't you know it though, as soon as I was no longer held accountable for reading my Bible every week, I got out of habit...and quickly. I didn't know where to start, and I didn't know if I was capable of understanding what I was reading, without questions to follow up. Obviously, that was Satan trying to convince me that my studying the Bible could wait again until September. It really worked, up until about a week ago. I felt a gentle nudging to start reading the Word again. It wasn't that dreaded feeling that I often get, when I think "I should really read by Bible today...after I wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, take a nap.") Instead, it was an excited feeling, I couldn't WAIT to start reading and finding out what God was wanting to teach me. The wheels in my head began turning. I felt like God was telling me to lead an "over the internet Bible study" this summer. Doesn't that sound so...drive-thru weddingish? Here came the thoughts again: "You don't know enough about the Bible to teach it", "You are still so new at this", "No one would really want to commit to it". I let that sit and simmer for a little bit...until I realized YET AGAIN that it was Satan talking to me. I wish I would really realize things like this sooner. I started feeling really excited about having a Bible study that ANYONE could join! Anyone who wanted to learn from other people across Minnesota, or really anywhere, since it's online! I feel hopeful that this could really affect others, and especially someone who really needs encouragement. So...without further ADO....

SUMMER 2014
ONLINE BIBLE STUDY

An 8 Week Study of

Proverbs

Right now, I'm so excited that I can hardly contain myself. I will plan to post one time per week (Monday?), with my thoughts and more than likely a few questions that I need help answering. My hope is that we will have an ongoing discussion, and that everyone will take something away from this. Please don't be embarrassed by ANY question that you have, and please be respectful of every person on here. I will get an outline set up over the weekend, and have it posted by Monday morning. Feel free to share this with your friends/family, and anyone else who you think would love this!

**If you have questions about BSF, please ask! I would love to share my experience, and would be happy to help you find a location!**